Lib Dems the losers in 'earthquake'

The Liberal Democrats appeared to be the biggest victims of the "earthquake" in British politics caused by Ukip, with Nick Clegg's party struggling to hold on to any of its MEPs.

Mr Clegg gambled by taking on Nigel Farage in head-to-head debates ahead of the European elections and highlighted his support for the Brussels project by casting the Lib Dems as the "party of in".

But the Lib Dems lost seats across England as the main parties conceded defeat in the face of a Ukip surge and the Deputy Prime Minister will face further questions about his leadership.

Mr Farage claimed victory, telling Sky News: "Ukip is going to win this election and, yes, that will be an earthquake because never before in the history of British politics has a party that will be seen to be an insurgent party ever topped the polls in a national election."

A senior Lib Dem source s aid it was "touch and go" whether the party would be wiped out in the European elections.

"It's not looking good," the source said.

Party president Tim Farron, seen as a possible successor to Mr Clegg, said the Deputy Prime Minister should not face a leadership challenge despite a "staggeringly disappointing" European election result.

The Lib Dems had "paid the price" for the decision to fight a strongly pro-European campaign, he said, but he told Sky News that Mr Clegg should be praised for having the backbone to take an unpopular position over the EU and confront Ukip's "threat to British cultural values".

Mr Clegg has insisted he is staying despite the party losing more than 250 councillors in local elections and being on course for a rout in the European elections.

Southport MP John Pugh suggested that a dozen of his Commons colleagues had expressed doubts over whether Mr Clegg should continue at the head of the party.

Ex-MP Sandra Gidley - one of around 250 people to have signed an online letter demanding a change of leader - said Mr Clegg was tainted by his position in the Tory-led coalition.

In Sheffield, the city where Mr Clegg is an MP, the Lib Dems trailed in fifth in the Euro-elections.

The Lib Dems, who went into the contest with 11 MEPs, lost two seats in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, and one each in the East Midlands, Eastern and North East.

At the count in Southampton Guildhall, Mr Farage said: " We have formed the people's army to fight the establishment.

"I love Europe, it's the European Union I have a problem with."

Dismissing the suggestion that tonight's result was a protest vote and Ukip's "high point", Mr Farage said: "In 2009 it was the high water mark and how we would never do it again in a domestic election, then we blew them down last year and now there's another protest, so no, I do not think so."

When asked if he would target Kent to stand in the parliamentary elections next year, he said: "I haven't really thought about it. I have always said it will be somewhere in the South East. We will make our minds up later."

In a sign that he was targeting Labour supporters as well as Tory votes, he added: "The really big hits we are getting are in the north of England and the Labour Party, actually the Conservative Party is holding quite steady in many areas, it's not quite as bad a night for David Cameron as some people have predicted."

Lib Dem Cabinet minister Danny Alexander did not rule out the Liberal Democrats finishing fifth behind the Green Party - but said he expected to retain some MEPs.

He told the BBC: "Some people have been predicting that we will end up with no MEPs at all. I suspect we will end up in the very low single figures."

David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Mr Clegg have all faced criticism over the way they have responded to Ukip's rise and strategists will study the results of the final national ballot ahead of next year's general election as they plan how to tackle a new era of four-party politics.

Eurosceptic parties have prospered across the EU, with o ne of the most significant winners appearing to be France's far-right Front National.

Two polling companies said the party, led by Marine Le Pen, was the outright winner in France with one-quarter of the popular vote.

Tory chairman Grant Shapps told LBC: "W e are seeing results coming in across Europe with a very clear message to the elite in Europe that people want to see change.

"The Conservative Party has long since got that and that is why we want a referendum following renegotiation."

Mr Shapps added that many voters saw this contest as a "free hit election", indicating they could swap their allegiance back to the Tories after delivering a protest by supporting Ukip.

Comments

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!

They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!

I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!

However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!
They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!
I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!
However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.slayerofsacredcows

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!

They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!

I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!

However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.

Score: 5

Rabbitman64
3:49pm Sun 25 May 14

slayerofsacredcows wrote…

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!

They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!

I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!

However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.

If Ed Miliband does get into Government he may be able to help your spelling? Bankrupt has been spelt wrongly!

[quote][p][bold]slayerofsacredcows[/bold] wrote:
They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!
They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!
I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!
However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.[/p][/quote]If Ed Miliband does get into Government he may be able to help your spelling? Bankrupt has been spelt wrongly!Rabbitman64

slayerofsacredcows wrote…

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!

They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!

I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!

However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.

If Ed Miliband does get into Government he may be able to help your spelling? Bankrupt has been spelt wrongly!

Score: 2

Chippy70
12:21pm Sun 25 May 14

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.Chippy70

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.

Score: 11

Radio Wales
2:18pm Sun 25 May 14

Well! He would say that - wouldn't he? Only a few weeks ago they were fruitcakes. Politicians are indeed, slow learners. Dunces in fact - or they think we are!

Well! He would say that - wouldn't he? Only a few weeks ago they were fruitcakes. Politicians are indeed, slow learners. Dunces in fact - or they think we are!Radio Wales

Well! He would say that - wouldn't he? Only a few weeks ago they were fruitcakes. Politicians are indeed, slow learners. Dunces in fact - or they think we are!

Score: 3

Katie Re-Registered
2:29pm Sun 25 May 14

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.Katie Re-Registered

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Score: -14

noddy57
3:19pm Sun 25 May 14

If Osborne and his cronies continue to ignore this up and coming party of the people then let it be said they were far too arrogant for their own good and it will cost them big time in the general election,,U K I P may never have that leader in no 10 but we will make our presence felt and continue to ruffle the main parties feathers..

If Osborne and his cronies continue to ignore this up and coming party of the people then let it be said they were far too arrogant for their own good and it will cost them big time in the general election,,U K I P may never have that leader in no 10 but we will make our presence felt and continue to ruffle the main parties feathers..noddy57

If Osborne and his cronies continue to ignore this up and coming party of the people then let it be said they were far too arrogant for their own good and it will cost them big time in the general election,,U K I P may never have that leader in no 10 but we will make our presence felt and continue to ruffle the main parties feathers..

Score: 4

Major Boredom
4:21pm Sun 25 May 14

Chippy70 wrote…

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.

Back from what?

[quote][p][bold]Chippy70[/bold] wrote:
I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.[/p][/quote]Back from what?Major Boredom

Chippy70 wrote…

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.

Back from what?

Score: -1

MrBenggo
4:38pm Sun 25 May 14

Major Boredom wrote…

Chippy70 wrote…

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.

Back from what?

Back into British rule,and stopped from being over run by immigrants.

[quote][p][bold]Major Boredom[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Chippy70[/bold] wrote:
I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.[/p][/quote]Back from what?[/p][/quote]Back into British rule,and stopped from being over run by immigrants.MrBenggo

Major Boredom wrote…

Chippy70 wrote…

I supported UKIP in the EU election but I dont like the recent rhetoric. Please Mr Farage, dont fall into the same vein as other praties by slagging them off. Just quietly get on with the job of getting our country back.

Back from what?

Back into British rule,and stopped from being over run by immigrants.

Score: 8

slayerofsacredcows
5:08pm Sun 25 May 14

Rabbitman64 wrote…

slayerofsacredcows wrote…

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!

They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!

I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!

However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.

If Ed Miliband does get into Government he may be able to help your spelling? Bankrupt has been spelt wrongly!

Looks like spellchecker let me down! Doesn't alter the idea though!

[quote][p][bold]Rabbitman64[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]slayerofsacredcows[/bold] wrote:
They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!
They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!
I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!
However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.[/p][/quote]If Ed Miliband does get into Government he may be able to help your spelling? Bankrupt has been spelt wrongly![/p][/quote]Looks like spellchecker let me down! Doesn't alter the idea though!slayerofsacredcows

Rabbitman64 wrote…

slayerofsacredcows wrote…

They just don't get it do they! Apparatchiks from Tories, LDs and Labour are completely out of touch: They study classics or PPE (or some other subject with no relevance to the 21st century). Then they become SPADs, or researchers, paid for by us but with no real knowledge with which to advise. Then they get into parliament, having never really done a proper job!

They then see themselves as "Masters of the people", rather than their servants, which they are!

I hope this is not a protest, which will fizzle out, but a revolution, which will change the sort of people in politics. Parliament may be under represented by women and some minorities, but it is woefully under represented by Engineers, Scientists, Technicians and other professionals, who are the real wealth creators of the country!

However, I hope it doesn't go off "half ****" and let Red Ed and the Labour party back to bankcrupt the country again.

If Ed Miliband does get into Government he may be able to help your spelling? Bankrupt has been spelt wrongly!

Looks like spellchecker let me down! Doesn't alter the idea though!

Score: 2

ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123
6:16pm Sun 25 May 14

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Shut up!!!

[quote][p][bold]Katie Re-Registered[/bold] wrote:
Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.[/p][/quote]Shut up!!!ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Shut up!!!

Score: 7

Oooh err
8:15pm Sun 25 May 14

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Complete and utter nonsense!

[quote][p][bold]Katie Re-Registered[/bold] wrote:
Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.[/p][/quote]Complete and utter nonsense!Oooh err

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Complete and utter nonsense!

Score: 4

ZeeGee, ffs
8:18pm Sun 25 May 14

The Bolsheviks were a protest party....I wonder what happened to them?

The Bolsheviks were a protest party....I wonder what happened to them?ZeeGee, ffs

The Bolsheviks were a protest party....I wonder what happened to them?

Score: 0

noddy57
8:26pm Sun 25 May 14

Oooh err wrote…

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Complete and utter nonsense!

Nothing could be further from the truth,complete garbage.

[quote][p][bold]Oooh err[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Katie Re-Registered[/bold] wrote:
Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.[/p][/quote]Complete and utter nonsense![/p][/quote]Nothing could be further from the truth,complete garbage.noddy57

Oooh err wrote…

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Complete and utter nonsense!

Nothing could be further from the truth,complete garbage.

Score: -2

Oooh err
8:29pm Sun 25 May 14

noddy57 wrote…

Oooh err wrote…

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

Complete and utter nonsense!

Nothing could be further from the truth,complete garbage.

Which is garbage?

[quote][p][bold]noddy57[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Oooh err[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Katie Re-Registered[/bold] wrote:
Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.[/p][/quote]Complete and utter nonsense![/p][/quote]Nothing could be further from the truth,complete garbage.[/p][/quote]Which is garbage?Oooh err

noddy57 wrote…

Oooh err wrote…

Katie Re-Registered wrote…

Ukip are actually a party of religious fundamentalists who wish to set up a theocratic state that flies in the face of the secular state that Britain historically is. Imho, anyone who has voted for them should hang their heads in shame for committing such an act of treason against their own country - as if Ukip ever got into power the sacrifices of hundreds of British soldiers who have died fighting to stem the growth of similar religious extremist heterosexist and gender normative fanatics like the Taliban in Afghanistan will be in vain.

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